10+ New Misconceptions About Psychedelic Drugs That Will Shock You

Are you a psychedelic enthusiast? Find out if you are still in the shade of these misconceptions.

In recent years, the world has seen a resurgence of interest in psychedelic drugs, thanks to growing research on their potential therapeutic benefits (therapeutic psychedelics) and changing attitudes towards mental health. However, with increased awareness comes new misconceptions that often overshadow the truth behind these substances. Let's explore and debunk some of the latest myths surrounding psychedelic drugs in this eye-opening article.

Top New Myths Involving Various Psychedelic Drugs

There are a plethora of myths surrounding psychedelic drugs that continue to perpetuate in society. Let's debunk some of the most common ones and shed light on the truth about these mind-altering substances.

1. Myth: Psychedelic Drugs are Dangerous and Addictive

Truth: Psychedelic drugs, when taken responsibly and under controlled conditions, have shown low toxicity and addiction potential. In fact, many studies suggest that some psychedelic therapy could be less harmful than alcohol or tobacco.

2. Myth: Psychedelics Cause Permanent Brain Damage

Truth: Contrary to popular belief, there is limited evidence to suggest that responsible psychedelic use leads to permanent brain damage. Studies indicate that with appropriate dosing and set and setting, the risks of adverse effects are significantly minimized.

3. Myth: Psychedelics are Gateway Drugs

Truth: The idea that psychedelic drug use leads to the use of harder drugs has been debunked by research. In reality, the reasons for drug experimentation are diverse, and it is essential to separate individual factors from the substances themselves.

4. Myth: Psychedelics Make You Lose Control

Truth: While psychedelics can induce intense and profound experiences, they do not strip away a person's ability to make decisions or exercise self-control. In fact, the effects of psychedelics can be influenced by one's mindset and the environment they are in.

5. Myth: Psychedelic Therapies Are All About Escaping Reality

Truth: Psychedelic-assisted therapies are designed to help individuals confront their emotions and traumas, not to escape from reality. They are increasingly being recognized as effective tools for treating conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

6. Myth: Psychedelic Drugs are Only for Young People

Truth: Psychedelic experiences can be transformative for people of all ages. Therapeutic applications of psychedelics have shown promising results, even among older populations, for whom mental health issues can be particularly challenging.

7. Myth: Psychedelics Cause Flashbacks

Truth: The idea that psychedelic use causes flashbacks is largely a myth. While some individuals may experience a mild and temporary recurrence of effects, it is not as common or severe as often portrayed in popular media.

8. Myth: Psychedelics Have No Medicinal Value

Truth: Emerging research has shown the potential medicinal value of psychedelics in treating various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Several clinical trials have demonstrated positive outcomes in these areas.

9. Myth: Psychedelics are Illegal Everywhere

Truth: While many countries have strict laws regarding psychedelic substances, there is a growing global movement to decriminalize and explore the therapeutic potential of these drugs. Some regions have already made progress in legalizing certain psychedelics for medical use.

10. Myth: Psychedelics are Just Party Drugs

Truth: While some individuals may use psychedelics recreationally, their potential goes far beyond party scenes. When used with intention and in the right settings, they can facilitate profound self-discovery and personal growth.

11. Myth: Psychedelics cause Schizophrenia

Truth: Scientific evidence does not support the claim that psychedelics cause schizophrenia. While they may temporarily induce psychotic-like experiences, these effects are distinct from schizophrenia and are typically short-lived, especially when used responsibly and in controlled settings.

12. Myth: LSD is Stored in Spinal Fluid

Truth: People often believe that LSD is stored in the spinal fluid, but this is not true. LSD is broken down by the liver and takes about 2.5 to 4 hours to be eliminated from the body. This misconception may have originated from PCP, a different drug that can be stored in fat cells.

13. Myth: LSD Tattoo/Psychedelic Tattoos

Truth: In the 60s, there was a rumor that Blue Star temporary tattoos for kids contained LSD. When wet and applied to a child's arm, it was believed to cause madness and attempts to jump out of windows. The myth of the "LSD tattoo" is entirely false. There is no evidence to support the claim that getting a tattoo infused with LSD can lead to psychedelic effects or alter one's mental state. Tattoos are created using ink injected into the skin and have no connection to hallucinogenic substances like LSD.

14. Myth: LSD needs Strychnine to attach to Blotter Paper

Truth: Strychnine is not used in making LSD or needed for LSD to bond with paper. J.K. Brown and M.H. Malone studied 581 street samples. 84.5% had pure LSD, 5.3% had LSD and PCP, 1.9% had only PCP, and 0.9% had LSD, meth, and PCP. Strychnine was never found.

15. Myth: LSD damages Chromosomes and causes Birth Defects

Truth: In 1967, a study published in Science journal claimed that adding LSD to human white blood cells in a lab caused chromosomal abnormalities. The New England Journal of Medicine later published an article about birth defects and genetic damage caused by LSD. However, further studies showed that these conclusions were wrong and LSD does not cause detectable genetic damage.

16. Myth: Double/Triple dipped Blotters indicate how strong something is

Truth: This might be a trick used by sellers of psychedelic drugs on blotter paper. The paper can only hold a limited amount of the drug, so dipping it again won't make it stronger or absorb more.

17. Myth: Some users believe they have transformed into orange juice

Truth: Media often exaggerates the effects of psychedelics, making them seem more intense than they actually are. Unless someone takes a large amount of mushrooms or DMT, their experience will likely be less extreme. Trips on LSD or 2c-b at normal doses are generally milder and easier to handle.

In the 1960s, there was a myth about a guy who supposedly turned into a glass of orange juice after taking LSD. The story came from someone who knew someone, but its origin is unknown. According to the tale, the man was afraid of spilling, so he always stood up, moved very slowly, and never bent over.

18. Myth: MDMA causes Holes in the Brain

Truth: It is true that MDMA can harm the brain over time, but it doesn't actually create holes in the brain. Long-term abuse of MDMA has been shown to harm serotonin receptors. However, other psychedelics do not have this same effect.

19. Myth: Selling LSD can lead to being Charged with Attempted Murder

Truth: Selling LSD does not lead to being charged with attempted murder. While it is illegal and carries serious consequences, it is not directly linked to attempted murder charges. Legal penalties depend on drug laws and the quantity involved.

This myth may come from stories about people getting very long prison sentences for having or selling LSD. These sentences might have been as long as the ones given to people who committed murder.

Conclusion

As we delve into the realm of psychedelic drugs, it is crucial to dispel misconceptions and rely on scientific evidence. The growing body of research suggests that when used responsibly and in controlled settings, psychedelics have the potential to offer transformative experiences and therapeutic benefits. By separating fact from fiction, we can foster a more informed and open-minded approach to understanding these substances and their place in our society.